The law, according to John Calvin, has many various functions. Why is it so important to study this? For many reasons. The law and it’s functions are so important to study because they are the very rules and regulations that the God of the universe, who made us and knows what is best for us, gave us to follow. If God, knowing the temptation and struggles that entangle us gives us rules to follow, then they must go along with what He knows is best for us, and will keep us from the very things that entangle our lives (sin). Also, it’s important to study what functions of the law one believes because different denominations believe different functions of the law. The other part of the research I had to study was how Calvin’s view of the law and how it functions, differs from that of Martin Luther’s view of the law and how it functions. This is important to look at because it is good to know which theology and functions one agrees with. It’s important to have roots planted in what we believe because at one point or another, questions do arise in our lives where we are put in a position where we have to explain what we believe and why. That is why it is important to research and know deeply the roots of what we believe. This understanding of the law is so key in our relationship that we have with God because it sets the parameters that God holds us in because he knows and wants what is best for us.
The various functions of the law that Calvin writes about can be started off by saying that first of all, the law is not a set of rules set up in order to keep God’s people away from Him, but it is there to draw us closer. In the Old Testament’s case, the law was set up to mentally prepare God’s people for the coming of Christ. The law had to have sacr ...